DUNDEE UNITED manager Peter Houston has warned his European hopefuls to beware of Craig Beattie in tomorrow's crucial clash with Hearts.

The former Celtic, West Brom and Swansea forward has found a new lease of life since signing a short-term deal for the Edinburgh club in February.

The 28-year-old helped clinch their place in the Scottish Cup final by scoring a late winner from the penalty spot against Celtic to make him a fans' favourite at Tynecastle.

Beattie could spearhead the Hearts attack when they visit Tayside for the lunchtime SPL meeting with Houston fully aware of the threat posed by the seven-times-capped Scotland forward.

Houston said: "Beattie has been a revelation since singing for Hearts.

"I've always rated him highly. Hearts have done well to get him fit and he's looking the part again.

"When you look at the level he's played at there's no doubt he's a quality player so we'll obviously have to watch him.

"As well as Beattie, they've got attack-minded players like Rudi Skacel, Stephen Elliott and Andrew Driver in their ranks.

"With that in mind, it's going to be an extremely difficult game for us and one where we'll need to be at our best to get the victory."

A win for United would see them go above third-placed Motherwell on goal difference before the Steelmen host St Johnstone later in the day as the race for that coveted third spot and Champions League qualification hots up.

The Tangerines have earned the bragging rights in all three previous outings but Houston doesn't see that having any influence over this encounter.

He said: "It's fair to say that Hearts could have won every one of those games this season.

"They've all been extremely close with just the odd goal deciding two of them so I'd expect this one to be along the same lines.

"We're just taking one game at a time and not really thinking too far ahead in terms of what a win might mean.

"Right after we beat St Johnstone last weekend our thoughts turned immediately to Hearts and how we can go about hopefully getting another three points."